February Wishes

And just like that, February is upon us. Just yesterday, I was pulling pictures from magazines, highlighting inspirational quotes, and perfecting my vision board. I was agonizing over lists of plans, ideas, and aspirations, only to find myself overwhelmed.

Last month, I decided I would abandon the idea of making resolutions all because 2014 didn't go as smoothly as I had planned. But then, as I began writing in my journal this morning (and rereading entries from previous months), I realized my plans, though well-intentioned, were terribly flawed. The first problem was that I had not fully surrendered my life nor my life's plans to Christ. As much as I've prayed and asked God to do this or work that out, I had not stopped to listen or acknowledge the plans He had for my life. Secondly, I simply was not putting in the work (nor did I have enough faith in myself or God to see things through). Now, as I take these two things into consideration, it seems I was doomed to fail from the start. How many of you guys have dealt with this same issue?

So what's next? I've been pondering on this thought all day. I prayed. I cried. I pondered some more. I prayed some more. And I was lead to Psalm 130. The fifth verse really stuck out for me:

"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."

I truly believe God was trying to tell me something. He was telling me to wait on Him and seek His counsel, not man's. I am terrible about waiting on someone else to validate my plans and ideas, and I am even worse about waiting on someone else to help me do things. Today, I will take the initiative to follow the dream I feel the Lord has given me, and wait on Him to validate everything. My main focus will be building my relationship with the Lord. Then I will know for sure when my life is in alignment with the will of the Lord. I have also created 10 small, measurable goals for the month of February. This way I can keep active, or get back into the groove of things. Here are seven of those goals:1. Obtain gainful employment. I believe it's high time I re-enter the workforce. I'm polishing my resume' and preparing for the job search. And I'm praying to be led in the right direction. Wish me luck blessings!2. Get my accessory shop up and running.For real this time. Those of you who know me personally know I've been making fabric button earrings and beaded charm bracelets for my shop, Yannah's Jewelry Box, for a while now. My husband and I have been peddling these accessories some of everywhere lol. To make the online shop a success, I need to increase my production and really market my efforts. I already have an Instagram for the site and I welcome any advice you guys can give me about getting started. Thanks in advance!3. Read 4 books. On Goodreads, I've challenged myself to read at least 50 books this year. Hopefully, I can cross 4 of those 50 off in the month of February. To check out my reading list, click here. Are any of these books on your to-read list?4. Volunteer at my kids' school. I'm hoping to spend more time volunteering at my kids' school in general. Hopefully I can get started this month. 5. Blog 3 times, weekly. I have really struggled with consistently creating and sharing quality content here on the blog this last year. My plans are to get the blog back in shape! What topics have you enjoyed reading about most here? Please feel free to let me know in the comments!6. Join a gym. I know this might be a goal for many--- a goal that many pick up and lay down all year long. I have tried working out from home, but nothing beats the consistency I have with working out in the gym. It's so gratifying. I need to get back on it in a new gym. It's good for accountability.7. Write something daily. Then pitch something. The first part of this goal is pretty easy, as I'm always writing something. The hard part comes in pitching articles and works to other publications. My goal is to pitch to at least one publication by the end of the month.

What are some of your current goals?

Have you experienced recent failures?

What do you feel is getting in the way of you and your dreams?linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes

Hello loves, I'm Dre! I am a hoarder of books and lipsticks, cupcakes make me happy, music gets me lifted, and the 90's was the best decade ever. I thank you kindly for stopping by my space on the web. Come on in and make yourself comfortable.